If Samsung violates Dutch Galaxy ban, it could fork over hefty sum

Slammed for the same patent two years in a row

It can sometimes be difficult to keep up with all of Samsung and Apple's globe-trotting patent lawsuits, with the latest ruling coming from a Dutch court ordering a ban on several Galaxy devices.

The judge ruled in favor of Apple regarding a method of scrolling through photo galleries with a touchscreen, which will result in a Netherlands ban of most Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 2.2.1 or higher.

The exception is that the ban will not apply to Galaxy devices that feature Samsung's proprietary photo gallery software.

The software was developed in response to Samsung losing a case in the Netherlands over the exact same Apple patent last year.

However, Samsung didn't provide the court with evidence of the software change and refused to sign a declaration of abstinence pledging to cease infringing the patent.

Global woes

The Dutch judge added that Samsung must disclose the net profits from infringing Galaxy devices since June 27, 2011.

Samsung must also pay Apple 100,000 euros each day that its devices violate the ban, which comes to $129,575 (UK£80,899, AU$123,679) every 24 hours.

The ruling is the latest in the back and forth court cases between the two firms, with each claiming its fair share of victories and defeats.